A Look At The 2009 NHL Draft Results
June 27, 2009 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Columns
Just like any professional sport entry draft, the real winners and losers of the day will not be known until several years into the future. However, knowing that did not prevent the Montreal fans and media from hyping up the 2009 entry draft to epic proportions.
The first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft came and went with just a few surprises. Most of the surprises involved a trade that did happen, and several rumored trades that did not happen. In fact, the 2009 NHL Entry draft was quite a bit less dramatic than many fans were led to believe.
The Top Picks
The top several picks in the draft went just as expected with no major surprises to speak of. The tight-lipped Garth Snow did a fantastic job of keeping his 1st overall selection a secret until the very last moment. A feat that is not easy to do in this day and age. The Islanders needed an immediate scoring threat and they got just that with the highly touted John Tavares.
The Tampa Bay Lightning followed up by selecting Swedish Defenceman Victor Hedman, whose 6’6 – 225lbs frame is sure to shore up their blueline.
Matt Duchene, who in the days leading up to the draft, garnered some attention an possibly being the best long-term prospect in the draft was selected 3rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche.
Evander Kane and Brayden Schenn, both from the Western Hockey League, roudned out the Top 5 as expected.
Let us now forget about Rounds 2-7 in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. many franchises (See Detroit Red Wings) have made a living off stealing great players in the later rounds. And, be certain, there is still plenty of talent available!
Draft Day Trades
In past years, the day of the NHL Entry Draft offered hockey fans some of the most exciting trades outside of the annual trading deadline. While there were not a plethora of trades that took place at this year’s draft, there was one that rocked the boat!
The Anaheim Ducks sent all-star defenceman Chris Pronger to Philadelphia along with prospect Ryan Dingle for forward Joffrey Lupul, defenceman Luca Sbisa, first-round picks in 2009 and 2010 and a conditional third-rounder in 2010 or 2011.
This trade was a surprise to many as the already salary cap challenged Philadelphia Flyers added a very big salary commitment in Pronger. This is lading many to believe that Briere will not be re-signed.
Notwithstanding the salary cap issue, Paul Holmgren is right about Chris Pronger:
“I think Chris Pronger is still one of the top defencemen in the league,” said Holmgren. “I think he makes everyone around him better. He’s a winner, he’s won a championship. He’s a tremendous character player, he works hard. I wanted a guy who would make life miserable for the other team. Chris is one of those guys.”
With the first round behind us, let’s sit back and enjoy the rest of the draft while we gear up for what promises to be a busy few weeks of free agency.
NHL Draft and Trade Thoughts
June 24, 2009 by Kyle
Filed under Hockey Columns
This Friday (and Saturday’s) draft promises to be interesting. I wonder if there will be any huge announcements? There’s nothing to support this, but the common belief is that the Canadiens are planning to make a big announcement. Topping the list of what that announcement would be, of course, if Lecavalier will be traded to Montreal. I’m hoping not, but Gainey is probably going to want to make a splash and impression on his new owners/bosses.
N.Y Islanders Draft Choice
I like how the Islanders are keeping their cards close to the vest. I personally think they need an exciting face to their franchise, to help boost ticket sales and chatter in the community and if I were them, I’d take Tavares.
In my mind, the way he dominated the World Junior Championships (and especially Victor Hedman) sealed the deal for me. I don’t think Tavares is a Sidney Crosby, but I do see him as a guy who turns the crank on the power play and becomes a solid point per game player throughout his career.
That being said, I don’t think the Islanders can much of a mistake when it comes to the top 3. Hockey-wise, I think they’ll be fine with any one of Hedman, Duchene or Tavares.
Dany Heatley Debacle
As for Dany Heatley, that sleazeball should be thanking god every day that the Snyder’s petitioned for his freedom and that his life was spared. For him to come out and make this sort of trade demand is appalling. He signs a huge, long term deal and demands to be let go after year 1?
And, near as anyone can tell, it’s because Clouston is asking that he be a more responsible hockey player. Excuse me? Because Clouston asks for more than glorified shinny he wants out of Ottawa? That takes nerve.
Oh, and if that wasn’t worse, Heatley has a no trade clause. So not only has he forced Ottawa’s hand, he’s also handcuffed them. I think it’s time for the NHL and NHLPA to add an amendment to the CBA stating that if a player publicly demands a trade while under contract, his “No Trade Caluse” becomes void, or he gets 1 veto and that’s it.
Comments, as always, are appreiated!
Shock Doctor Ultra Bio Hockey Jock
June 23, 2009 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Equipment
As a player who has used the traditional supporters for the majority of his life, the opportunity to try the new Shock Doctor compression shorts for hockey was intriguing.
First off, I have tried combination garter belts and protective supporters before with limited success. For the most part, either they did not stay in place due to the hockey socks pulling the shorts down, or the socks did not stay attached properly.
How the Ultra Bio Jock Is Different
What is different, and much better, about the shock doctor system is that it combines the comfort and fit of compression shorts, along with their patented anatomically correct cup and both a Velcro and traditional garter support for attaching the hockey socks. This combination is by far the most comfortable system that I have used.
What isn’t shown in the image is the Velcro support for the socks, which is on both the front and back of the shorts. Another feature that can’t be seen in the image is the “leg grippers” which are tighter bands around the bottom of the shorts that keep the shorts from riding up. These bands are fantastic…can’t say enough about what a great idea those are.
The Cup
The anatomically correct Carbon Fiber Cup that comes with the Ultra Bio Hockey Jock is great, but if you really want to protect the “Boys”, you can opt for the Titan Alloy Steel Cup which is also anatomically designed by Shock Doctor. Which ever one you choose, the shorts will keep the cup securely in place.
The Ultra Bio Hockey Jock retails for $59.99 on the Shock Doctor Site, or Total Hockey.net !
Teams Prepare For Draft and Free Agency
June 22, 2009 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Columns
Red Wings Give Chelios The Boot
While this was a foregone conclusion, General manager Ken Holland met with Chelios Monday afternoon and gave him the news. Chelios will not be re-signed.
“It was kind of understood last summer, after Cheli signed, that the 2008-09 season would be the last one for Cheli as a Red Wing,” said Holland, noting the need for the Wings to bring in younger players. “He wants to play another season and I believe he can still play.”
It has been highly speculated that Chelios will sign in Chicago this off season and finish up his career in his home town. No doubt the aging veteran has lost a step, but he can likely still teach the up and coming youngsters on the Blackhawks roster a thing or two.
Heatley On The Hot Seat
Sportsnet reported that the Senators have set a July 1 deadline for trading Dany Heatley. It has been reported that the Wild are interested as well as a few other teams. However, it will be interesting to see what the Senators can get in return since the league now knows he has to be traded before July 1.
Talk about being handcuffed!
Personally, I’d love to see Heatley playing for the LA Kings next season. It seems unlikely though unless the Kings are willing to part with one of their heralded young defensemen.
Bobbing For Bouwmeester
Kevin Allan says the Florida Panthers apparently want a 1st round draft choice for the right to negotiate with Jay Bouwmeester prior to July1. The draft pick would, of course, only be payable if Bouwmeester should sign with the negotiating team. Is it worth it to get Bouwmeester, who many believe still has yet to reach his potential?
Isles up In The Air
Garth Snow and the New York Islanders have given little indication as to who will be the first selection of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft this weekend in Montreal. The once consensus #1 pick, John Tavares, seems to have lost some support as the draft draws near.
Some think that Matt Duchene of the Brampton Battalion is a better long term prospect at forward, while others hold Hedman, the giant Swedish defenseman in high regard for his size, skating ability, and defensive prowess. Regardless of who the Islanders select, you will see them in an Islander uniform next season. The boys on the Island need all the help they can get!
For what it’s worth, I would select Hedman. There has not been a “flop” defenseman taken as the number one choice in the draft since 1982 when Gord Kluzak was chosen first overall. Even then, Kluzak managed a few good years before bad knees ended his career. Even though the upside for Tavares is certainly great, there is always the downside risk of a Patrik Stefan or Alexandre Daigle!
To Be Kronwalled
June 20, 2009 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Columns
You know that you’ve made an impression when your name becomes a verb.
It’s possible that Niklas Kronwall’s hit on Martin Havlat in the Western Conference final of the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs may have turned Kronwall’s name into a verb.
Thoughts on the Cup Finals
June 15, 2009 by Kyle
Filed under Hockey Columns
Stanley Cup Thoughts
The 2008-09 season has come to an end, and I think it’s safe to say that the quality of this year’s playoffs already has us salivating for the 2009-10 season.
I know I’m already excited.
- Marian Hossa, last year with the Penguins, defects to the Red Wings because he felt they represented his best chance to win a Cup. He spurned a 7 year, 50 million dollar offer from the Penguins to win the Cup. I respect the decision to put the Cup first, even though it backfired. It was not a horrible choice as he came within 1 game of his goal, but he still must feel pretty awful right now. That said, he was invisible at best in the finals. He had a chance to have an impact on his own fate and he dropped the ball. Speaking of dropping the ball, did Tomas Holmstrom even play in this series? I can’t recall ever hearing his name. He’s aged quickly after taking so much abuse in front of the net over the years.
- Sidney Crosby becomes the youngest captain at age 21 to win the ultimate prize. Lemieux was 24, Gretzky was 23. This kid has taken heat from all over the place, from players on the ice, members of the media and especially fans. He’s now vindicated. I’ll go out on a limb and say that he’s just fine with Ovechkin being the most exciting, prolific player in hockey, and he’s doubly fine with teammate Evgeni Malkin being the top scorer and playoff MVP. He’s a Cup champ and the Pens would not have gotten so far without him. There should have been a lot of crow eaten and humble pie served this weekend.
- The Red Wings were virtually unbeatable at the Joe Louis Arena. 11-1 record. A lock to win game 7, right? Wrong.
- The home team was 12-2 in game 7 Stanley Cup finals history. Don’t tell the Penguins that. The home team is now 12-3.
- The Penguins were the first team in since the Habs in the beginning of the 70′s to win the Cup after losing the first 2 games on the road. Raise your hand if you thought it was over when the Pens went home 0-2. Everyone thought their opportunity to jump on the Wings would have been in the first 2 games when they were on 2 days rest after a punishing Conference final against the Blackhawks. Instead, the Wings showed that they had plenty of fight left in them. What this meant for the Penguins is that they had to win 4 of the next 5 games against Detroit, with at least 1 win coming on the road. Never before have the words “you’re not in trouble until you lose on home ice” carried more weight.
- Marc-André Fleury. What can you say about this guy? Here’s another guy who took heavy criticism for not winning the big one. From the moment he gave up the chance to win the gold medal in the junior championships a few years back, people said he’d be a decent goalie, but his legacy would be good, but nothing to show for it. Well guess what? Now he’s shed that title, and has taken on the title of “big time goalie”, “CAN win it all” and he’s also probably earned himself an invite and a serious look for the 2010 Canadian Men’s Olympic Team. My lasting image for this Cup finals will be Fleury’s last-second (literally!) save off of Nik Lidstrom. If there was ever a bigger, more important, more clutch save in Stanley Cup history, I’d like to know about it.
- In the Wings’ crease, there’s no more doubt about Chris Osgood. He had a bad (with gusts up to mediocre) regular season, but he elevated in the playoffs and probably would have won the Conn Smythe if the Wings had won. That probably would have solidified his standing as a hall of fame goalie.
- Did any role player have more impact on the outcome of a series than gritty Max Talbot? He’s going down not only in Pittsburgh as a folk hero, but his name will be forever remembered in HOCKEY history as the unsung hero who delivered on hockey’s biggest stage under the most adverse conditions. If the Red Wings had won the series, we’d be talking about Dan Cleary today, and not Max Talbot.
- If before game 7 you had told me that the Penguins would have scored 2 goals, and would play over half the game without Crosby, I’d have told you that the Pens had no chance of winning on the road. And no, this is not an opportunity for Crosby haters to say that he is overrated because the Penguins won the most important game without him. That’s a lazy and hollow argument.
- No breakdown would be complete without giving the coaches their due. Dan Bylsma rode in mid-season after the overdue firing of Michel Therrien and totally turned around the fortunes of his team. He deserves a huge amount of credit for the speed and effectiveness he’s had on this young roster. Mike Babcock also has the mantle of best coach currently in the game. He needs to be behind the bench for team Canada in Vancouver 2010. Considering the injuries and fatigue that his players had, he also gets a big round of applause.
Not to make this all about the Penguins, because the Red Wings are still a damn fine hockey team that simply ran out of steam. Injuries, age and fatigue obviously caught up to them as the series wore on. In retrospect, they needed a win in game 3 or 4 to put the series out of reach but fell just short. I suppose you can’t reason or argue with destiny. That being said, the Red Wings have been the NHL’s gold standard for 15 years now and there’s no reason to think they can’t be back again next season. Their core will be back, and guys like Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader showed that they are ready to step in to crucial roles that the likes of Draper and Maltby filled so admirably for years. They have the best coach in the league, the best GM, and more than a couple future hall of famers within their ranks. They’ll be a force for years to come.
If there was any ugliness to the series, it was post-game in game 7 where Kris Draper called out Crosby for not shaking hands. It smacks of sore loser talk and it was frankly unnecessary. Crosby, despite what many think, is a very classy player and is well versed in hockey history and protocol. Let’s please also keep in mind that at the very worst, Crosby is still a 21 year old who may have gotten caught up in the moment. There is no reason why Crosby would have intentionally snubbed the Red Wings.He’s much better than that.
In my prediction for the Cup finals, I said that Pittsburgh would win in 6 games. So I was off by one game. My underlying thought was that the torch is being passed to (or taken by) hockey’s next great team. With Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury and a few others all under contract for years to come, the Penguins are poised to remain great and be the team to be beat for years to come, if they can navigate cap issues properly. Perhaps they need to trade one of their big 3 away for future assets (Staal?) Shades of the Islanders turning the reigns over to the Gretzky/Messier Oilers in the mid-80′s, with Crosby and Malkin leading the way if things go their way.
Please leave your thoughts below on what you thought of these classic finals. With the draft just under 2 weeks away and free agency at the beginning of July, we’ll need to keep the hockey chatter going until then!
